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Natural area · Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz
Parque Regional Lomas de Arena
Protected area about 16 km south of Santa Cruz, with white sand dunes amid the forest, lagoons and birds, visited on foot, by 4x4 or with a tour operator.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Parque Regional Lomas de Arena
Parque Regional Lomas de Arena is about 16 km south of downtown Santa Cruz. It is a protected area of white, fine sand dunes surrounded by forest and lagoons, an unexpected landscape in the middle of the green plains of the Bolivian Oriente. The dunes formed from sand carried by winds and rivers over thousands of years.
The dunes change shape with the wind and reach several tens of meters in height. Rainwater lagoons appear between them; they are usually fuller in the rainy season, December to March, and shallower in the dry season. The surrounding forest has trees from the Chaco and the dry forest, and it's common to see birds such as herons and parakeets.
Visitors climb the dunes on foot and descend running or by sandboard, and walk to the lagoons. On weekends, Santa Cruz families picnic on the banks.
The last section of access is sandy, and ordinary vehicles often get stuck: go with a tour operator, in a 4x4, or arrange with a taxi that knows the way and leave the final part on foot. There is no shade on the dunes: bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and water.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours in the park.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when the sand isn't so hot. The lagoons are usually fuller from December to March, but rain can make access difficult.
How to get there
It's about 16 km south of downtown Santa Cruz. The last stretch is sand: go with a tour operator or in a 4x4. Confirm access before you go, especially after rain.
Tip
Go early, climb the highest dune to see the surrounding forest and finish at the lagoons. Bring water and a snack: there are no facilities inside the park.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Regional Lomas de Arena
How to get to Lomas de Arena?
With a tour operator or in a 4x4, because the last section of the access is sand. Regular taxis usually drop visitors off before the final stretch.
Can you swim in the lagoons?
Some lagoons attract bathers on weekends, depending on the water level, which varies throughout the year.
Are there facilities in the park?
Little. Bring water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.